Borneo: Land of the Orangutan

Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, the bustling modern capital of Malaysia, where iconic architecture towers over streets and neighborhoods populated by people from throughout Asia. The resulting blend of cultural and culinary influences lends the city a cosmopolitan appeal. Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious hotel.

Start your exploration of the city from an incredible vantage point: the soaring Petronas Twin Towers. Next, discover another facet of Malaysia’s cultural mix with a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum, the largest of its kind in southeast Asia. Peruse the city’s Central Market, where local artists and craftsmen sell their goods. After lunch at a local restaurant, your afternoon is at leisure for relaxing or exploring on your own. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Fly to Sandakan, your gateway to the fabled island of Borneo. The third largest island in the world, Borneo is shared by three nations: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. It straddles the equator and is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforest as well as amazing wildlife and diverse, friendly people. Begin your discovery of Borneo with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the best place in Southeast Asia to see these gentle giants outside of a zoo. Witness the afternoon feeding and meet with a center employee to learn how the reserve takes orphaned orangutans and teaches them to be self-sufficient in the forest. This evening, enjoy dinner along with a talk by a palm oil expert to understand how the industry has impacted the island.

Start your day with a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and enjoy a talk by the founder to learn more about the smallest species of bear. Then, you may opt to continue observing the sun bears or return to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe a morning feeding. After lunch at a local restaurant, board a speedboat for a ride up the Kinabantangan River to your award-winning lodge. After dinner on site, embark on a night cruise to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Rise early to explore this exotic wonderland inhabited by 10 species of primates, four of which are endemic to Borneo, on a cruise on the Kinabatangan River. Meander up the river, spotting wildlife along the way, to an oxbow lake. Upon arrival, keep an eye out for wildlife and simply enjoy the serene setting with a coffee or tea before returning to your lodge for breakfast. Afterward, set out on a nature walk along the lodge’s boardwalk, the forest alive with sights and sounds. Enjoy lunch, followed by a talk by a naturalist about Borneo’s most famous resident, the orangutan. Then, set out on another cruise along the river, perhaps spotting colonies of proboscis monkeys, keeping an eye out for the male’s telltale nose. Also watch for orangutans, some of whom may be making nests for an afternoon nap. Look to the treetops to spot some of Borneo’s eight species of hornbill, while saltwater crocodiles patrol the riverbank. Lastly, with luck, catch sight of pygmy elephants. Throughout your visit here, keep your camera at the ready for sightings of silvered langurs, macaques, kingfishers, monitor lizards and reticulated pythons. Stay vigilant for glimpses of otters and turtles. Return to your lodge for dinner. Later, relax to the sounds of the jungle or enjoy an optional guided nature walk to seek out nocturnal species.

Bid farewell to the Kinabatangan River and travel overland to Lahad Datu, the gateway to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Switch to 4x4 vehicles for an adventurous ride overland to your lodge, nestled in one of the last remaining preserves of primary rainforest in Asia and the only accommodation found in the valley. This sanctuary is home to over 110 mammals, including orangutans, gibbons, pygmy elephants and clouded leopards. The valley is also home to countless reptiles, amphibians and insects. After check-in, enjoy an introductory nature walk with the lodge’s expert guides. Following dinner, take a jungle drive, unveiling creatures of the night such as Malayan civets and flying lemurs.

Immerse yourself in the Borneo wilderness, starting with a walkway through the rainforest canopy, looking out from platforms and bridges built at treetop level to let you observe the diverse flora and fauna. Return to your lodge for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy your choice of two activities. Select one of the lodge’s many trails, varying in difficulty, with an expert guide. Alternatively, relax at the lodge, perhaps with a treatment at the award-winning spa (at an additional cost). Tonight, gather for dinner at your lodge.

Emerge from the forest as you are driven to Lahad Datu for your short flight to Kota Kinabalu, the modern capital of Sabah state. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodations, and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the city or simply relax after your long journey, looking out at the luminescent emerald-green waters of the South China Sea.

Venture just outside the city to visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, the perfect place to savor the soul of Sabah. View homes built by the varying ethnicities found in this state, each constructed by descendants of the tribes they represent, for an authentic insight into the diverse local culture. Discover the individual architectural style of these distinctive dwellings and how their builders adapted to the environments they inhabited. Later, return to your resort, where you have the rest of the day to relax or explore Kota Kinabalu. Tonight, gather with your fellow guests for a farewell dinner. If you have arranged to do so, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.